Messaging system and method

ABSTRACT

A messaging method using a mobile user terminal, the method including the steps of: creating, at the mobile user terminal, at least one graphical messaging symbol adapted to convey a meaning to a message recipient; preparing message content including at least one of the created graphical messaging symbols using the mobile terminal; and sending the message to a recipient via a communication network.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of priority to AustralianProvisional Patent Application No. 2008903059, filed on Jun. 16, 2008,entitled “MESSAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD”, which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is methods and systems for communicationbetween people via a communication network. An example of an applicationof an embodiment is exchanging messages between people using mobilephones.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sending messages between people via a communication network using textand images is known. Known messaging technologies include shortmessaging service (SMS) messages, multimedia messaging service (MMS),enhanced messaging service (EMS) and e-mail.

There is an unmet need for systems and methods for messaging whichenable users to communicate in an effective and entertaining manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect there is provided a messaging method using amobile user terminal, the method including the steps of:

creating, at the mobile user terminal, at least one graphical messagingsymbol adapted to convey a meaning to a message recipient;

preparing message content including at least one of the createdgraphical messaging symbols using the mobile terminal; and

sending the message to a recipient via a communication network.

Creating a graphical symbol in one embodiment includes the steps of:

selecting two or more base symbols from a defined base symbol set; and

combining the two or more base symbols in a manner adapted to convey ameaning to a message recipient to form a graphical messaging symbol.

In another embodiment creating a graphical messaging symbol includes thesteps of:

accessing a pre-existing graphical symbol adapted to convey a firstmeaning to a recipient; and

modifying the pre-existing graphical symbol to create a graphicalmessaging symbol.

The modifying step can include combining the pre-existing graphicalmessaging symbol with one or more base symbols.

Base symbols can be selected from a base symbol set including one ormore of: geometric shapes, lines, mathematical symbols, characters, andpredefined symbols.

In an embodiment accessing a pre-existing graphical symbol involveslooking up the pre-existing graphical symbol in a symbol libraryaccessible via a communication network.

An embodiment further includes the step of storing a created graphicalmessaging symbol in a symbol library. This embodiment can furtherinclude the steps of:

making created graphical messaging symbols available for downloadingfrom the symbol library via a network; and

monitoring downloading of symbols from the graphical symbol library.

Monitoring downloading of graphical symbols can include incrementing adownload counter value of a download counter associated with a graphicalsymbol or set of graphical symbols for each download.

In an embodiment the popularity of symbols or sets of symbols are rankedand symbols presented in the library based on popularity.

In an embodiment creator data is stored for each created graphicalmessaging symbol, and the method further includes the steps of, readingcreator data for a downloaded graphical symbol and incrementing acreator counter value of a creator counter for the creator of thegraphical symbol. One or more prizes can be awarded to symbol creatorsbased on creator counter values.

Prizes awarded can be credits, stored in a user account, and redeemablefor access to voice, data and messaging services.

According to another embodiment there is provided a mobile user terminalhaving a processor adapted to execute a set of instructions to enable auser of the terminal to:

create at least one graphical messaging symbol adapted to convey ameaning to a message recipient;

prepare message content including at least one of the created graphicalmessaging symbols; and

send the message to a recipient via a communication network.

A user terminal, as described above, can be provided with a defined basesymbol set stored in memory accessible by the mobile terminal processorand the processor is adapted to execute instructions to enable a user tocreate a graphical symbol by:

selecting two or more base symbols from the base symbol set; and

combining the two or more base symbols in a manner adapted to convey ameaning to a message recipient to form a graphical messaging symbol.

A user terminal, as described above, can be adapted to enable a user tocreate a graphical messaging symbol by:

accessing a pre-existing graphical symbol adapted to convey a firstmeaning to a recipient; and

modifying the pre-existing graphical symbol to create a graphicalmessaging symbol. The new graphical messaging symbol may be adapted toconvey a second meaning to a recipient.

Modifying the pre-existing graphical symbol can include combining thepre-existing graphical messaging symbol with one or more base symbols.

In an embodiment the user terminal is adapted to access a symbol libraryvia a communication network to look up a pre-existing graphical symbolstored therein.

In another embodiment the user terminal is further adapted to store acreated graphical messaging symbol in a network accessible symbollibrary.

According to another aspect there is provided a messaging systemincluding:

a network accessible symbol library for storing graphical messagingsymbols; and

at least one mobile user terminal having a processor adapted to executea set of instructions to enable a user to:

-   -   create at least one graphical messaging symbol adapted to convey        a meaning to a message recipient;    -   prepare message content including at least one of the created        graphical messaging symbols;    -   send the message to a recipient via a communication network; and    -   store created graphical messaging symbols in the symbol library.

The user terminal can also be adapted to access, via the communicationnetwork, graphical messaging symbols stored in the symbol library, anddownload one or more graphical symbols to the user terminal for use inpreparing message content or creating further graphical symbols.

In an embodiment the symbol library further includes a monitor formonitoring downloading of graphical messaging symbols from the symbollibrary. Monitoring downloading of graphical symbols can includeincrementing a download counter value of a download counter associatedwith a graphical symbol or set of graphical symbols for each download.

The monitor can be further adapted to rank popularity of symbols or setsof symbols based on download counter values.

The system may be adapted to present symbols in the library based onpopularity rankings.

An embodiment of the system further includes a subscriber register indata communication with the symbol library, wherein the subscriberregister stores subscriber data of registered subscribers.

The symbol library can be adapted to store creator data for each createdgraphical messaging symbol, and wherein the monitor is adapted to readcreator data for a downloaded graphical symbol and increment a creatorcounter value of a creator counter stored in the subscriber register assubscriber data for the creator of the graphical symbol.

Embodiment of the system can be further adapted to award one or moreprizes to symbol creators based on creator counter values.

Prizes awarded can be credits added to a credit balance stored in thesubscriber register as subscriber data for a subscriber whereby thecredits are redeemable for access to voice, data and messaging services.

According to another aspect there is provided an application forexecution by a mobile user terminal to adapt the user terminal to:

create at least one graphical messaging symbol adapted to convey ameaning to a message recipient;

prepare message content including at least one of the created graphicalmessaging symbols; and

send the message to a recipient via a communication network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments will now be described by way of example only withreference to the accompanying drawings in which

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system for messaging via acommunication network.

FIG. 2 shows block diagram illustrating an example of a messaging systemenabling symbol generation by users.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a messaging symbolgeneration and use process.

FIGS. 4 a to 4 d illustrate an example of symbol creation.

FIGS. 5 a to 5 c illustrate another example of symbol creation.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example of a process for uploading a createdsymbol to a network accessible symbol library.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example of a process for downloading symbolsfrom a network accessible symbol library.

Features, further aspects, and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following description of embodiments thereof,by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.Also, various embodiments of the aspects described in the precedingparagraphs will be apparent from the appended claims, the followingdescription and/or the accompanying drawings. It should be understood,however, that the present invention is not limited to the arrangementsand instrumentality shown in the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the following discloses example methods, systems, articles ofmanufacture, and apparatus including, among other components, softwareexecuted on hardware, it should be noted that such methods and apparatusare merely illustrative and should not be considered as limiting. Forexample, it is contemplated that any or all of these hardware andsoftware components could be embodied exclusively in hardware,exclusively in software, exclusively in firmware, or in any combinationof hardware, software, and/or firmware. Accordingly, while the followingdescribes example methods, systems, articles of manufacture, andapparatus, the examples provided are not the only way to implement suchmethods, systems, articles of manufacture, and apparatus.

When any of the appended claims are read to cover a purely softwareand/or firmware implementation, at least one of the elements is herebyexpressly defined to include a tangible medium such as a memory, DVD,CD, etc. storing the software and/or firmware.

A messaging method and system are provided for messaging using a mobileuser terminal. The method and system enable a user to create one or moregraphical messaging symbol adapted to convey a meaning to a messagerecipient, using their mobile user terminal. Message content can then beprepared using at least one of the created graphical user symbols andsent to a recipient via a communication network.

In an embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 1 a user can create graphicalmessaging symbols using their user terminal 130 such as a mobile phone,personal digital assistant or the like. The created symbols can be usedto prepare message content for sending to a recipient user terminal 150via a communication network messaging service 160. Graphical messagingsymbols 140 can also be stored in a symbol library 110 which isaccessible, via a communication network 120, by one or more userterminals 130 150.

Embodiments of the method and system can be adapted to use any messagingservice compatible with graphical messaging symbols for the sending ofmessages between user terminals. For example embodiments are envisagedwhich employ known messaging services such as multimedia messagingservice (MMS) or enhanced messaging service (EMS), however alternativemessaging services are also envisaged. For example, instant messaging ore-mail are also envisaged as messaging services for which embodimentsmay be applied.

An example of an embodiment of a messaging system is illustrated in FIG.2. The messaging system includes a network accessible symbol library 200and at least one mobile user terminal 230.

The symbol library 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes a memory 215storing symbol data 260 for one or more graphical symbols 262, and aprocessor 210. The symbol data 260 includes the graphical messagingsymbol 262 and can also include symbol property data 264 such asidentification data for the symbol creator and one or more counters formonitoring symbol downloads. The processor 210 is adapted control thestoring and access of symbol data 260 by user terminals 230 via aconnected communication network 220. The processor can also monitordownloading of the graphical symbols and update any relevant downloadcounters. The symbol library 200 may include a network server anddatabase for storing symbol data.

A mobile user terminal 230 includes a transceiver 280 for transmittingdata to and receiving data from the communication network 220, a userinput and output interface 284, a processor 288 and memory 270. The userterminal can be any network connectable communication device, forexample the user device may be a mobile phone, personal digitalassistant etc.

The mobile user terminal 230 is adapted to enable a user to:

create at least one graphical messaging symbol adapted to convey ameaning to a message recipient;

prepare message content including at least one of the created graphicalmessaging symbols;

send the message to a recipient via a communication network; and

store created graphical messaging symbols in the symbol library.

A software application can be downloaded to the user terminal memory 270for execution by the processor 288 to adapt the user terminal forcreating graphical messaging symbols and use the created symbols inmessages. A local symbol library 275 may also be stored in the userterminal memory. The local symbol library can be used to store, symbolscreated by the user, downloaded from a network accessible symbol library200 and base symbols which can be used for creating new graphicalsymbols.

The processor 288, is a processing device such as a microprocessor orthe like, adapted to control user terminal functions and executesoftware programs stored in memory 270. The processor 288 and memory 270architecture may vary depending on the type of user terminal. It shouldbe appreciated by a skilled person that all possible hardware, firmwareand software architectures for the mobile user terminal are contemplatedwithin the scope of the present application.

The user input and output interface 284 typically includes a display 286and any combination of interfaces in accordance with the style ofdevice, for example keypad, keyboard, microphone, touch-screen, datainput and output ports, image/video capture etc. A person skilled in theart will appreciate that any variation of user interface options arecontemplated within the scope of this application.

A user can create graphical messaging symbols using their mobile userterminal. An example of a procedure for creating graphical symbols isillustrated in FIG. 3. Using the graphical symbol creator provided ontheir mobile device, the user selects a first symbol 310. The firstselected symbols may be a base symbol or a pre-existing graphicalmessaging symbol. For example a base symbol set can include basicgeometric shapes such as circles, rectangles, lines, arcs and arrows andmay also include some basic symbols which covey a generally recognisedmeaning, for example well known symbols such as those commonly used onsigns.

The user can then select a further symbol 320 and combine the selectedsymbols 330. The combining the symbols entails arranging the symbols bythe user in a manner adapted to convey a meaning. Combining the symbolsmay also involve resizing symbols, removing or obscuring parts of asymbol, and changing colours of symbols. It should be appreciated thatthe user can combine the symbols in any manner which conveys a meaningto a recipient.

In some cases a user may require more than two symbols to convey thedesired meaning, in this case the user will continue to select furthersymbols 320 and further combine 330 these symbols. Once the graphicalmessaging symbol is created 340 the symbol can be stored in a localsymbol library in user terminal memory 350 and the user can proceed tocreated further symbols 360 if desired. Once the user has created thedesired symbols 360 the user proceeds to prepare a message 370 forsending, for example by selecting one or more graphical messagingsymbols in a desired order and adding message recipient information. Theprepared message is then sent 380 to the recipient via the communicationnetwork.

An example of creating a graphical messaging symbol by selecting two ormore base symbols from a defined base symbol set and combining the twoor more base symbols is illustrated in FIGS. 4 a to 4 d. In this examplethe user selects a first base symbol of an outline of a house 400 andanother base symbol of a circle 410 as shown in FIG. 4 a. The user thenplaces the circle 410 inside the outline of the house 400 as shown inFIG. 4 b. Two arrows 420 430 are then placed inside the circle torepresent the hands of the clock, say showing seven o'clock, asillustrated in FIG. 4 c. Thus, the base symbols of the house 400, circle410 and two arrows 420 430 are combined to form a graphical symbol 440,as shown in FIG. 4 d, to convey the meaning that the sender will be homeat seven o'clock. It should be appreciated that the user could alsogenerate the graphical symbol of the outline of a house using lines, ifthe house was not provided in the base symbol set.

Another method of creating a graphical messaging symbol involvesaccessing a pre-existing graphical symbol adapted to convey a firstmeaning to a recipient, and modifying the pre-existing graphical symbolto create a graphical messaging symbol adapted to convey a secondmeaning to a recipient. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 a to 5 c,a user can access the graphical symbol 440 meaning the sender will behome at seven o'clock, as described above. The user can then modify thissymbol to remove the clock hands 420 430 leaving a blank clock face asshown in FIG. 5 b. The user can then insert a question mark 510, whichcan be selected from a basic symbol set, in the centre of the clock faceto create a new graphical symbol 520, as shown in FIG. 5 d, to conveythe question “what time will you be home?” to the receiver.

It should be appreciated that the meaning conveyed by a graphical symbolmay vary for different recipients based on the context of the message orbased on a common understanding between the sender and recipient. Forexample the graphical symbol 520 shown in FIG. 5 d may also be used toconvey the meaning “I don't know what time I'll be home” for example ifreturned in reply to a first message containing this same graphicalsymbol.

Once created, graphical symbols can be stored in a local symbol libraryin the user terminal memory so the symbol can be used by the user forsubsequent messages. Created symbols can also be stored in a networkaccessible symbol library 200 to make the symbols accessible to otherusers. The symbol library 200 can also be adapted to store propertiesassociated with each symbol. For example, the symbol properties caninclude creation data, access restrictions, classification data etc.Creation data can include data such as the symbol creator, a creationdate, predecessor symbol data where the symbol is a variation of apreviously created symbol etc. Access data can include data such aswhether access to symbols is restricted, say to specified users orgroups, or if a fee is playable for downloading the symbol. For example,a creator may specify that a symbol is only accessible to members of aparticular group or that the symbol is open for all to use.Classification data can include data such as symbol subject key words orsymbol group identifiers which can be used for searching for symbolsbased on subject, or downloading multiple symbols based on symbol group.

In an embodiment a subscriber register 240 is also provided. In thisembodiment users subscribe to obtain access to the symbol library andsubscriber data is stored in subscriber records 245. A data connectioncan exist between the subscriber register 240 and the symbol library 200to enable the symbol library processor 210 to access and updatesubscriber records 245.

In an embodiment the symbol library 200 and subscriber register 240 maybe implemented commonly, for example where the symbol library 200 andsubscriber register 240 are implemented as functions of a networkserver. The subscriber register may also be used to subscribe toservices in addition to the graphical messaging service, for example aplayer may subscriber to voice services, data services, and otherservices such as one or more game services.

The subscriber register may also be adapted to manage subscribers'access to services through use of credits. A subscriber record 245 canstore credit data 248 including a subscriber's credit balance value. Acredit value may be deducted from this balance to pay for access toservices offered through the subscription. The credit balance value canbe increased through subscription payments or purchasing additionalcredit for the service provider. In some embodiments prizes are awardedto creators of graphical symbols as credit added to the subscriber'scredit balance. The actual credit value awarded as a prize for asubscriber can be a standard prize value or determined based on thepopularity of symbols created by the subscriber. When a prize is awardedfor a subscriber, the prize credit value is added to the credit balancevalue of their subscriber account. This accumulated credit may then beused to pay for other services offered through the subscription.

An example of a procedure for storing created symbols in a networkaccessible symbol library is illustrated in FIG. 6. A user creates agraphical messaging symbol 610 using their user terminal. The createdsymbol is stored in a local symbol library 620 in user terminal memory.The user can select an option to also store the created symbol in thenetwork accessible symbol library 630, for example implemented using anetwork server and database. The symbol is sent to the symbol library640 via the communication network. Symbol properties, such as creatoridentification data and any symbol classification data can also be sentwith the symbol data or can be added once the symbol data is received atsymbol library. For example, the creator identification data may be thesender extracted from transmission data for the symbol data. The symbolproperties can be stored in the symbol record in the database. Some orall symbol properties may also be attached to the graphical symbol dataas metadata for downloading along with the symbol data. Symbols may alsogo through an approval and classification process before they are storedin the symbol library and symbols properties may also be added duringthis process. For example, symbols may be reviewed and classified intosymbols groups based on subject matter for searching purposes, and groupor searching key words added as symbol properties. Data such as adownload charge for a symbol may also be added to the symbol properties.Symbols may also be reviewed to ensure no derogatory, licentious,malicious or vilifying symbols are stored in the symbol library, and anysuch symbols may be rejected. Penalties, such a fines or service bars,may also be applied to the creators of such symbols.

The graphical messaging symbol and associated property data is thenstored in the library 650. In some embodiments a prize may be awarded tosymbols creators. A prize may be awarded automatically for uploading acreated symbol. Alternatively prizes may be awarded based on a randomprocess or based on assessable criteria, such as a prize awarded forevery ten symbols uploaded by a creator. Once the symbol is stored anyprize due is determined 660 and awarded 670 to the creator. For example,a credit amount added to the creator's credit balance stored in theirsubscriber account. The symbol is then made available for download 680by other users. In some embodiments the downloading of symbols may berestricted to groups of subscribers, for example a sporting team mayhave a set of symbols created by team members and supporters and the setof symbols may only be accessible for download by subscribers who arealso registered as members or supporters of the team.

In an embodiment symbol popularity is monitored based on the number oftimes symbols are downloaded. In some embodiments the popularity ofsymbol creators can also be monitored. An example of a process formonitoring symbol popularity is illustrated in FIG. 7. A user selects710 a symbol or set of symbols to download from the symbol library. Forexample the user may be able to browse the symbol library for individualsymbols or select to download a defined symbol set. For example, asymbol set can include a plurality of symbols defined as a set based onsymbol association, for example by subject matter association, such assport, pets, relationships etc. Alternatively, sets may be defined bypopularity or other common properties, such as “free download” symbolsor symbols all created by the same user. Where a symbol set isdownloaded the set may be downloaded in its entirety or symbol bysymbol, the example shown in FIG. 7 illustrates a symbol by symboldownload. Symbol properties for a selected symbol may be read prior tothe symbol download and any pertinent information communicated to thedownloading user, for example any charge for downloading the symbols,the number of symbols in a set, any user terminal requirements such asdisplay colour requirements, memory requirements etc. The user may havethe opportunity at this point in time to choose whether to continue orabort the download.

A selected symbol is downloaded 720 and the download counter for thesymbol incremented 730, the symbol properties can then be read 740 todetermine whether or not the symbol is a user created symbol 750. For auser created symbol the creator counter for the symbol creator can alsobe incremented 760. In some embodiments a prize can be awarded to asymbol creator based on the downloading of their symbol. Whether or notthe prize is awarded may depend on prize criteria being met, for examplea prize may not be payable to the creator if the symbol is downloaded aspart of a symbol set, or a prize may only be awarded based on thecreator counter value exceeding a given threshold value. It should beappreciated that a variety of prize rules may be provided and the prizerules applied may vary for different embodiments. Any prize to beawarded is determined 770 based on prize rules and awarded to thecreator 780, for example as credits added to the credit balance value oftheir subscriber account. If a set of symbols is being downloaded thisprocess will then be repeated for the next symbol 790 of the set.

In an alternative embodiment where a set of symbols is downloaded in asingle action, the symbol library may update symbol download countersand any creator counters based on set download information. For example,the increment values for a symbol download counter and creator counterfor an individual symbol may be smaller, say only one point, for a setdownload than for an individual symbol download, say ten points. Thisdifference in value can be indicative of a greater popularity weightinggiven for a symbol which is selectively downloaded compared to beingdownloaded as part of a set. In another embodiment an additional setdownload counter may be used to monitor set downloads separately fromindividual symbol downloads. In another embodiment the purpose for whicha symbol is downloaded may also be monitored and a different counterincrement applied for different purposes, for example if a symbol isdownloaded for the purposes of modifying the symbol to create a furthergraphical messaging symbol, then a different download counter incrementmay be used, say five points, compared to a download counter increment,of say ten points, to use the symbol unchanged in a message. Similarlydifferent counter increments may be applied to creator countersdependent on the purpose for the symbol download.

The popularity of a symbol creator may be based on a cumulativepopularity of their created symbols. Such a cumulative popularity valuemay be the sum of download counter values for each symbol created by thecreator. Alternatively some normalising function may be applied to thepopularity of symbols created by each subscriber to prevent ranking ofcreators based on their popularity values being skewed in favour of acreator who creates a large number of only moderately popular symbolscompared to a creator who creates only a small number of very popularsymbols.

Popularity rankings for individual symbols, symbol sets, and creatorsmay be accessible for viewing by subscribers, for example via aninternet web site. Symbol set rankings may be based on a counter forwhole set downloads or a cumulative total of the download counter valuesfor individual symbols from the set. In some embodiments prizes can beawarded based on relative creator rankings. For example a prize may beawarded for the fifty highest ranking creators each week.

It should be appreciated that many variations of the method as systemmay be used in different embodiments and all variations are consideredwithin the scope of the present application and within the scope of theclaims which follow.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, exceptwhere the context indicates otherwise due to express language ornecessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as“comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. tospecify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude thepresence or addition of further features in various embodiments.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerousvariations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown inthe specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are,therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive. Several embodiments are described above with reference tothe drawings. These drawings illustrate certain details of specificembodiments that implement the systems and methods and programs of thepresent invention. However, describing the invention with drawingsshould not be construed as imposing on the invention any limitationsassociated with features shown in the drawings. It will be understoodthat the invention disclosed and defined in this specification extendsto all alternative combinations of two or more of the individualfeatures mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of thesedifferent combinations constitute various alternative aspects of theinvention.

The present invention contemplates methods, systems and program productson any electronic device and/or machine-readable media suitable foraccomplishing its operations. Certain embodiments of the presentinvention may be implemented using an existing computer processor and/orby a special purpose computer processor incorporated for this or anotherpurpose or by a hardwired system, for example.

Embodiments within the scope of the present invention include programproducts comprising machine-readable media for carrying or havingmachine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Suchmachine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessedby a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with aprocessor. By way of example, such machine-readable media may compriseRAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash, CD-ROM or other optical diskstorage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or anyother medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code inthe form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and whichcan be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer orother machine with a processor. When information is transferred orprovided over a network or another communications connection (eitherhardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to amachine, the machine properly views the connection as a machine-readablemedium. Thus, any such a connection is properly termed amachine-readable medium. Combinations of the above are also includedwithin the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executableinstructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause ageneral purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purposeprocessing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.

1. A messaging method using a mobile user terminal, the method comprising: creating, at the mobile user terminal, at least one graphical messaging symbol adapted to convey a meaning to a message recipient; preparing message content including at least one of the created graphical messaging symbols using the mobile terminal; sending the message to a recipient via a communication network; storing a created graphical messaging symbol in a symbol library; making created graphical messaging symbols available for downloading from the symbol library via a network; and monitoring downloading of symbols from the graphical symbol library, wherein monitoring downloading of graphical symbols includes incrementing a download counter value of a download counter associated with a graphical symbol or set of graphical symbols for each download.
 2. A method, as claimed in claim 1, wherein creating a graphical symbol comprises: selecting two or more base symbols from a defined base symbol set; and combining the two or more base symbols in a manner adapted to convey a meaning to a message recipient to form a graphical messaging symbol.
 3. A method, as claimed in claim 1, wherein creating a graphical messaging symbol comprises: accessing a pre-existing graphical symbol adapted to convey a first meaning to a recipient; and modifying the pre-existing graphical symbol to create a graphical messaging symbol.
 4. A method, as claimed in claim 3, wherein the modifying comprises combining the pre-existing graphical messaging symbol with one or more base symbols.
 5. A method, as claimed in claim 2, wherein base symbols can be selected from a base symbol set including one or more of: geometric shapes, lines, mathematical symbols, characters, and predefined symbols.
 6. A method, as claimed in claim 3, wherein accessing a pre-existing graphical symbol involves looking up the pre-existing graphical symbol in a symbol library accessible via a communication network.
 7. A method, as claimed in claim 6, further comprising ranking popularity of symbols or sets of symbols and presenting symbols in the library based on popularity.
 8. A method, as claimed in claim 1, wherein creator data is stored for each created graphical messaging symbol, the method further comprising: reading creator data for a downloaded graphical symbol and incrementing a creator counter value of a creator counter for the creator of the graphical symbol.
 9. A method, as claimed in claim 8, further comprising awarding one or more prizes to symbol creators based on creator counter values.
 10. A method, as claimed in claim 9, wherein prizes awarded are credits, stored in a user account, and redeemable for access to voice, data and messaging services.
 11. A messaging system comprising: a network accessible symbol library for storing graphical messaging symbols; and at least one mobile user terminal having a processor adapted to execute a set of instructions to enable a user to: create at least one graphical messaging symbol adapted to convey a meaning to a message recipient; prepare message content including at least one of the created graphical messaging symbols; send the message to a recipient via a communication network; and store created graphical messaging symbols in the symbol library, wherein the user terminal is also adapted to access, via the communication network, graphical messaging symbols stored in the symbol library, and download one or more graphical symbols to the user terminal for use in preparing message content or creating further graphical symbols.
 12. A system, as claimed in claim 11, wherein the symbol library further comprises a monitor for monitoring downloading of graphical messaging symbols from the symbol library.
 13. A system, as claimed in claim 12, wherein monitoring downloading of graphical symbols includes incrementing a download counter value of a download counter associated with a graphical symbol or set of graphical symbols for each download.
 14. A system, as claimed in claim 13, wherein the monitor is further adapted to rank popularity of symbols or sets of symbols.
 15. A system, as claimed in claim 14, wherein symbols are presented in the symbol library based on popularity rankings.
 16. A system, as claimed in claim 13, further comprising a subscriber register in data communication with the symbol library, wherein the subscriber register stores subscriber data of registered subscribers.
 17. A system, as claimed in claim 16, wherein the symbol library is adapted to store creator data for each created graphical messaging symbol, and wherein the monitor is adapted to read creator data for a downloaded graphical symbol and increment a creator counter value of a creator counter stored in the subscriber register as subscriber data for the creator of the graphical symbol.
 18. A system, as claimed in claim 17, further adapted to award one or more prizes to symbol creators based on creator counter values.
 19. A system, as claimed in claim 18, wherein prizes awarded are credits added to a credit balance stored in the subscriber register as subscriber data for a subscriber whereby the credits are redeemable for access to voice, data and messaging services. 